A number of people replied to my post yesterday concerning my disappointment with the online music services. Some were more helpful than others in figuring out if iTunes would meet my needs. I downloaded the latest version of iTunes for Windows, version 4.7 and started testing it out. Here are my impressions:
1. iTunes is an easy to use, well laid out program. It was easy to import my mp3 files, create and edit playlist and convert a few mp3s into CD audio.
2. The converstion of mp3 into CD audio and then burning a playlist to CD was even easier than using MusicMatch.
3. The iTunes catalog is very well organized and pleasant to use. I like being able to view other peoples playlist and rate them. I also enjoy being able to see the top 200 songs, Billboard Charts and top radio hits. iTunes makes finding new music fun and easy.
4. It’s very easy to print CD inserts. I know many other programs do this as well, but I haven’t seen as many options as iTunes offers. Very well executed.
5. Mp3s sound pretty good without a DSP plug-ins. At this point I’ll probably stick with Quintessential Player for basic mp3 playback but the iTunes environment is quite nice.
6. The Deal Breaker: iTunes still only works with the iPod which is unfortunate. Don’t tell me to just go buy an iPod because I did own one and I found it lacking.
Overall I’m very impressed with iTunes but until Apple decides to play nice with other mp3 players, I won’t be purchasing any music from it which is too bad because it has a lot to offer. I’ll stick with ripping my own CD collection, buying new and used CDs and downloading the occasional single from P2P communities.
I plan to take a took at Napster and MusicMatch over the coming weeks.
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